Bank look to create history in cup

Meadowbank United will take on the formidable Northern Hearts for the club’s first appearance in a South Canterbury Cup final after toppling Mountainview at Sir Basil Arthur Park in Timaru last Saturday.

Bank made it difficult for themselves by falling behind in the semi-final but eventually booked a final place with a 2-1 win.

Harry Bower headed home for Mountainview from a well-delivered free kick but the Oamaru side were quick to reply through in-form striker Michael Stevens after midfielder Matt Haywood threaded a perfectly weighted pass for Stevens to latch on to and slot in for a 1-1 half time score line.

Stevens struck again in the second half. The striker was the most lively in a goal mouth scramble to complete his brace and secure the win but tomorrow’s opponents will offer stiffer competition.

Hearts finished top of the South Canterbury division with a 100 per cent record and handed Meadowbank an 8-0 hammering in week two before a 3-1 defeat in the last round of the league season

Meadowbank will need to start with more urgency to prevent Hearts from taking command of the encounter early on.

Simon Willets said he will play Mitchell Greaney and Paul Holmes as his central midfielder pair, the experienced duo should offer stability in the middle in Jonathan Fisher-Hewitt’s absence after sustaining an ankle injury.

Willetts said his players are confident despite losses to Hearts in the league season and plans to start with a 4-4-2 formation, but will bolster the defence if needed.

“We had a chat at training and they’re up for it,” he said.

“We’re not going to take Hearts lightly, we’ve got a couple of new guys (Mitchell Greaney and Paul Holmes) so hopefully that can make a difference.”

The match will kick off at 2.45 at Sir Basil Arthur Park.

By JAMES FORD

PHOTO: JAMES FORD – Meadowbank will be without Jonathan Fisher-Hewitt for tomorrow’s final.